Aim How did the Romans influence our system

Aim: How did the Romans influence our system of government? • Do now: Answer the question in at least (3) complete sentences in your notebook • Juan steals $5 and is sentenced to 3 years in jail. Sal commits the same crime and is only given 3 months in jail. Is this system of justice fair? Why or Why not?

Vocabulary Plebians-lower class Patricians-upper class The Law of the Twelve Tables- written code of laws Republic: government in which citizens have the right to vote • Tribune: official who helped the plebeians protect their rights • Consul: official who was like a king • Senate: aristocratic branch of Rome’s government • •

Students will read the Roman Law handout. (handout #1) After you have finished reading the text, you will complete questions 1 -5 Vocabulary. Precedent- earlier events or decisions set the example for later decisions. Magistrates/Praetors- Judges Recodification- re-writing the laws

Class work Procedure • Students will complete documents 1 -3 • First, 3 students will be chosen to read each section in document 1 • Students will then complete questions 1 -3 • We will then discuss the answers as a class • After completion of document 1, students will complete documents 2 & 3 pairs

I. Roman Law and Justice A. Originally laws were not written down B. Plebeians were sometimes punished for breaking laws that they did not know existed

II. Roman Law of the 12 Tables A. Created in 451 B. C. • Some basic laws were written down B. The following important concepts formed the basis of Roman Law 1. All citizens were equal under the law 2. You are innocent until proven guilty 3. You have the right to know your accuser 4. You should not be punished for what you think 5. Right to a trial by jury 6. Records of judges decisions are recorded for future cases